Kyle Prepolec is on a quest to get back to the UFC or any major promotion.
The quest continues for Windsor, Ont.’s Prepolec (15-7) on Friday night when he meets Shane Campbell (21-8) for the Unified MMA 165-pound title in the Unified MMA 43 main event.
The 165-pound weight class has become increasingly popular in regional promotions across North America, offering fighters who struggle with the cut to 155 pounds or feel undersized at 170 pounds a competitive middle ground. This championship bout represents the highest level of competition in this division on the Canadian regional circuit, with both fighters having proven themselves against elite-level opposition throughout their careers.
Prepolec, 32, was last in action at Samourai MMA 1 in Nov. 2021 where he had a fantastic back and forth fight with Michael Dufort and won a close split decision.
The extended layoff since that November 2021 victory has been both a blessing and a challenge for Prepolec. While the time away has allowed him to heal from nagging injuries and sharpen his skills without the immediate pressure of an upcoming fight, ring rust is always a concern when a fighter has been away from competition for an extended period. However, Prepolec's training camp reports suggest he's been staying active in the gym, taking sparring sessions seriously, and treating his preparation with the urgency of someone who knows this could be a career-defining performance.
Now, Prepolec plans on continuing that momentum when he takes on Campbell.
“If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best guys. It doesn’t matter if these guys are inside the UFC or outside the UFC, you have to beat good guys to be the best,” said Prepolec in an interview with MMA Empire.
“Beating Michael Dufort now and beating Shane Campbell now, those are the top two guys in Canada. He (Campbell) is on a good win streak right now and he is still looked at as a name. I feel like every fight since even before the Dufort fight was the most important and now this one is the most important, for the same reason as the Michael Dufort fight; to get back in that win column.”
Prepolec's mindset reflects the reality of life on the regional circuit for fighters who have tasted the big leagues. Every fight becomes a statement, every victory a potential calling card for a return to the major promotions. The Canadian MMA scene has always been rich with talent, and fighters like Prepolec and Campbell represent the highest tier of that talent pool. When scouts from the UFC, Bellator, and other major organizations look north of the border, these are the names that consistently appear on their radar.
Campbell's current winning streak has positioned him as one of the most dangerous fighters in the Canadian lightweight and welterweight divisions. His experience, technical skills, and proven ability to perform under pressure make him a legitimate threat to anyone in his weight class. For Prepolec, defeating someone of Campbell's caliber would be the kind of signature win that demands attention from major promotion matchmakers and could accelerate his timeline for a return to the sport's biggest stage.
Both Prepolec and Campbell have had a taste of fighting on the big stage, leaving Friday night’s main event as a battle between two UFC veterans.
The UFC experience both fighters carry cannot be replicated in any regional promotion, no matter how well-run or professional. They've felt the nerves of walking into a packed arena with cameras from around the world broadcasting their every move. They've dealt with the intensity of UFC-level training camps, the pressure of fighting for the world's premier MMA organization, and the scrutiny that comes with performing at that level. This shared background means neither fighter will be overwhelmed by the moment or the stakes involved in Friday's championship bout.
That octagon experience also means both fighters have faced some of the best competition in the world and learned valuable lessons from those encounters. They've seen what elite-level game planning looks like, experienced the difference between regional and world-class competition, and understand what it takes to compete at the highest level. These lessons inform their approach to every fight, making them more dangerous and more complete mixed martial artists than they were before their UFC stints.
Prepolec said he’s expecting the best version of Campbell to date and a long, hard-fought battle.
“I feel like the best Shane is going to come out. I feel like any time I fight these guys they bring the best versions of themselves. I find that even more fun or entertaining,” said Prepolec.
“It’s an even greater challenge; not only do I have to push myself but I have to beat myself and beat those guys. It’s all about who shows up that day. I know I always show up no matter what. His style is similar to mine; it’s just who has more grit, who has more heart. Everyone knows what I’m good at, everyone knows what he’s good at. Now let’s let our styles clash.”
The mental aspect of this matchup cannot be overlooked. Both fighters have experienced the highs of victory and the lows of defeat at the sport's highest level. They've had to rebuild their careers on the regional circuit, fighting to prove they deserve another shot at the big time. This shared journey creates a unique dynamic where both competitors understand exactly what's at stake and what a victory would mean for their future prospects.
Stylistically, the matchup promises to deliver the kind of action that fans and promoters love to see. When two aggressive, well-rounded fighters with similar approaches meet in the cage, the result is typically a fast-paced, technique-heavy battle that showcases the best aspects of mixed martial arts. Neither Prepolec nor Campbell is known for playing it safe or fighting cautiously, which suggests this title fight will be contested at a high tempo from the opening bell to the final horn.
The training camps for both fighters have been intense and focused. Prepolec has been working on sharpening his striking while maintaining the grappling base that has served him well throughout his career. His coaching staff has developed a specific game plan for Campbell's style, studying tape and preparing for the various scenarios that could unfold during the fight. Similarly, Campbell's camp has been preparing for Prepolec's strengths and looking for exploitable weaknesses that could lead to victory.
Beyond the technical preparation, both fighters have been working on their conditioning to ensure they can maintain a high pace for the full duration of the championship rounds. Title fights often come down to who can impose their will in the later rounds when fatigue sets in and mental toughness becomes as important as physical skills. The fighter who has prepared most thoroughly and can push through the inevitable difficult moments will likely emerge victorious.
The implications of this fight extend beyond just the two men competing. A strong performance from either fighter could influence how other regional promotions view the 165-pound division and potentially encourage more organizations to adopt this weight class. Additionally, an exciting title fight could draw more attention to Unified MMA as a promotion and help elevate the profile of Canadian mixed martial arts on the international stage.
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Fight preview brought to you by Lisa McInnes – Verico Paragon Mortgage Inc.
**Feature photo by Yanick Maltais/Samourai MMA
